How to Clean Fabric Sofa: DIY Tips, Products, and Stain Removal Guide

When you’re dealing with a clean fabric sofa, a common household item that collects dirt, spills, pet hair, and odors over time. Also known as upholstery cleaning, it’s not just about looks—it’s about health. A dirty sofa can harbor dust mites, allergens, and bacteria that affect your breathing and skin. And if you’ve ever tried scrubbing a red wine stain or pet accident with the wrong product, you know how easy it is to make things worse.

Most people think you need expensive machines or professional services to get a fabric sofa clean. But that’s not true. The same methods detailers use on car seats work just as well on your living room couch. You don’t need bleach, harsh solvents, or steam cleaners that cost hundreds. Simple things like baking soda, a natural deodorizer and gentle abrasive that lifts odors and surface dirt, white vinegar, a mild acid that breaks down grease and kills odor-causing bacteria, and a bit of dish soap are all you need. These ingredients are safe for most fabrics, cheap, and already in your pantry. The key isn’t the product—it’s the technique. Rubbing too hard? You’ll fray the fabric. Using too much water? You risk mold or mildew underneath. That’s why step-by-step methods matter.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, tested ways to handle the messes you actually deal with: coffee spills, muddy paw prints, kid’s juice boxes, and old pet stains that won’t come out. Some guides show you how to use a sponge and a spray bottle. Others walk you through steam cleaning with a handheld device you can rent for under £20. There’s even a post that explains how to tell if a stain is from sweat, pet urine, or something else—and how to treat each one differently. You’ll learn what not to do, too. Like using vinegar on wool or silk blends (it can discolor them), or scrubbing with a stiff brush on microfiber (it creates fuzz balls). The advice here isn’t theoretical. It’s from people who’ve cleaned sofas in rented flats, homes with dogs, and households with toddlers. No fluff. No marketing hype. Just what works.

Whether you’re trying to get your deposit back after moving out, prepping for guests, or just tired of smelling last week’s dinner every time you sit down, cleaning your fabric sofa doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tools and a little patience, you can make it look—and smell—like new again. Below, you’ll find step-by-step guides, homemade recipes, and mistakes to avoid. Pick the one that matches your situation, and get started. Your couch (and your nose) will thank you.